Need help and suggestions. My boyfriend and I are going to be in Honolulu for 2 weeks July31-Aug.14 What are the absolute must see/do things in Honolulu? Also what is the best way to island hop? We were hoping to do, if possible, a one day trip to the big island for some volcano exploration. Is the airport a big hassle or is it even possible to do a one day trip? Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Two weeks is a nice long time. Oahu is not that big of an island (you'll want to allow time to go out and around besides just Honolulu).

Yes you can island hop with various tour providers (Roberts, etc.) or you could do it on your own. No the airport is not a hassle. Yes it is possible to do one day trips. But I think if seeing the volcano in only 1 day is a priority, I'd probably go with a tour group to make is smoother/easier.

The absolutely must sees in Honolulu depend upon your interests. I think most people agree about: Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, Diamond Head, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace as places of interest. Then there are all the outdoor activities: hiking, surfing, boogie boards, paddle boats, catamaran cruises, etc.

Have you picked a Waikiki hotel yet? Do you want to stay in one place the entire two weeks?

Hanauma Bay is a MUST! It is beautiful & the snorkeling is great. Sharks's Cove on I think the Northshore has great snorkeling too. Of course, Pearl Harbor is a must see as well. And the hike up Diamond Head is wonderful. We did a couple of short hikes to waterfalls, one was Kapena Falls but I can't remember the name of the other. You can search for the directions to some of them. We also did the Atlantis Submarine tour & really enjoyed it.

The first time we went, we flew from Honolulu to Kauai & spent a week there. We flew Hawaiian Air between islands & they were great & price was not bad. I found the airports on the islands much more relaxed then on the mainland. We LOVED Kauai. I have heard the big island is great too, just haven't been there. Have a great trip!

Hi Suze, 2 weeks is a really nice long time, living in L.A we definitely need it =) We basically like all of the above, the tourist attractions like Pearl Harbor as well as the outdoor stuff. I was hoping to find a place to learn how to surf, anyone have any suggestions of things they've tried? We're renting a condo from VRBO in Waikiki, I wanted to make sure I was walking distance from where the action was in, from what I've heard. We did just want to stay in one place but since 2 weeks is a good break that's why we were hoping for a day or two of island hoping.
Thanks your suggestions =)

IF you are staying in waikiki, just go down to the "Duke" stature and sign up for surf lessons at any of he the Beach Boy stations there. Chat with the instructors to see if you like them. The lessons usually includes another hour or two with the surfboard on your own.. You might sign up with the honolulu version of Groupon or "livingsocial" as they often have coupons for surf lessons.

A day trip to the big island is easy. Get on the earliest flight, rent a car, and head for volcanoes national park. Depending on how long it takes to hike out over the lava, you will probably still have time to wander around Hilo or even go up to Akaka Falls. It's a nice day trip that I have done several times.

Check out www.nonstophonolulu.com for suggestions on where to eat, go clubbing, and other nightlife.

With 2 weeks in Hawaii, you could easily island hop. Price it out, though. I recently discovered this company: http://www.iflyinterisland.com
They do charter tours from Oahu to other islands (usually the Big Island) but since it's a private airport, there's no TSA requirement to arrive 1-2 hours before the flight, etc. And at first glance it looks pricey, but it includes the tour, transportation, and lunch. Oh, and bags fly free. I haven't flown with them yet, but was checking them out because I was thinking of booking a shopping trip with some girlfriends. Just a thought.

I would recommend the beach at the end of ala moana blvd -- gorgeous views and the locals hang there vs. Waikiki. Anyway a nice change of scene.

We love, personally, the Honolulu Academy of Art and their lunch cafe is one of the great sleeper spots.

More to follow.

You can get a GO card that will give you discounts on all this plus ideas on where to visit; it probably includes places you haven't even heard of.

We haven't used a GO card but had a City Pass in Seattle and it was great, took us to places we didn't know existed as well as all the ones we wanted to visit.

i haven't tried it myself(!) but have seen what lcuy describes for surf lesson going on. just head to the beach!

Honolulu Academy of the Arts is wonderful. I was there because it's where the Doris Duke ShangriLa estate tour meets up, which is also wonderful. www.shangrilahawaii.org

Thanks for all your suggestions!! I will definitely be looking around for the best prices =)

Shangri La is a very worthwhile excursion but you must sign up thru the Academy of Art as they are the ones offering the tours. You cannot do it by yourself. Getting tix in advance is helpful too. I have been twice - don't miss it. I am amazed at how many people do not know about it.
Great that you are renting a condo - hopefully it has an ocean view so you can sit on the lanai and have your drinks, or morning coffee.

Driving to the North shore is also a wonderful day trip. It takes several hours especially if you want to stop at any of the beaches along the way.

Enjoy your time in the sun and fun. Check out the hiking up Diamond Head as I think there have been some changes on times, etc. It is a good hike and views are amazing.

Yes, thanks Shar for that clarification. You need tickets thru the Academy of the Arts and it's best to get them online in advance (and very easy) because there are limited times and days and numbers of people they take to the estate.

Thank you for all your suggestions, I will definitely check out Shangri La (hadn't heard about it before) I did get an all day tour thru Groupon that will take us to various places, for only $32! =) Now, those anyone have any suggestions for spas? We'd like to do the couples spa since this will be his first one and is nervous about it lol. Thanks again, I can't wait!

One caution: if you are flying to the BI to see the volcano, fly to Hilo, not to Kona. Kona is too far away -- a three hour drive!